CRITICALLY injured motorcyclist Pati Olearnik and her family have seen an overwhelming support from the biking community, with a huge convoy riding to the hospital last night in a bid to help her recovery.

Pati has been in a coma at Salford Royal Hospital since March 12 after she came off her bike in Urmston.

The 20-year-old’s family asked her “biker family” to arrange a special convoy to the hospital on Sunday March 19 at 7.30pm.

As the former St Antony's Catholic College student had been involved in such events in the past, her family hoped that a recording of the rideout played at her bedside could help push her to recovery.

Messenger Newspapers:

Pati Olearnik is in a coma after being critically injured in a bike crash

The appeal was put out on social media and bikers from the region and further afield answered the call.

Hundreds of motorcyclists turned out up to the Trafford Centre last night, where the convoy gathered before setting off for Salford Royal.

Messenger Newspapers:

Aerial photo showing hundreds of bikers at the Trafford Centre meet before the special convoy to Salford Royal. Pic: Jan Grass

The appeal was put out on social media and bikers from the region and further afield answered the call.

Hundreds of motorcyclists turned out up to the Trafford Centre last night, where the convoy gathered before setting off for Salford Royal.

Car window and bike stickers were given out at Sunday’s rideout by organisers and hoodies, with funds going towards Pati’s recovery, were also available.

Pati's friend and fellow biker Adam Wells, from Horwich, Bolton, said he hoped the convoy would do Pati proud.

He added: "Pati is one in a million, always smiling and always making everyone happy.  She is such an amazing girl to be around and to ride with.  Stay strong Pati, we miss you."

Mark Kerry, from Davyhulme, was also one of the bikers to show up.

Mark Kerry's video from last night's convoy

He said: “I felt really privileged to be part of last night’s convoy to Salford Royal for Pati, let's hope and pray once she hears the videos it will stimulate her to wake up. I am so proud of the biker community spirit.”

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses after the crash, which occurred at the junction of Canterbury Road and Crofts Bank Road at around 7.30pm on Sunday March 12.

Messenger Newspapers:

Aerial photo showing hundreds of bikers at the Trafford Centre meet before the special convoy to Salford Royal. Pic: Jan Grass

Officers said Pati was riding her red Honda motorbike along Crofts Bank Road when a white Vauxhall Zafira pulled out of the junction.

Both crossed onto the opposite side of the road, where Pati came off the bike.

Police Constable Paul Hailwood of GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “My thoughts are with the woman’s family at this difficult time.

“We have launched an investigation to establish exactly what happened and I would urge any witnesses, or anyone who saw the red motorbike shortly before, to get in touch with police.”

Messenger Newspapers:

The accident took place at Crofts Bank's junction with Canterbury Road 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 or 4742, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A fundraising page has also been set up by friends to support Pati during her recovery. To donate, visit gofundme.com/patis-fund.